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Devarakonda SS, Basha S, Pithakumar A, L B T, Mukunda DC, Rodrigues J, K A, Biswas S, Pai AR, Belurkar S, Mahato KK. Molecular mechanisms of neurofilament alterations and its application in assessing neurodegenerative disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 102:102566. [PMID: 39481763 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
Neurofilaments are intermediate filaments present in neurons. These provide structural support and maintain the size and shape of the neurons. Dysregulation, mutation, and aggregation of neurofilaments raise the levels of these proteins in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which are characteristic features of axonal damage and certain rare neurological diseases, such as Giant Axonal Neuropathy and Charcot-Mare-Tooth disease. Understanding the structure, dynamics, and function of neurofilaments has been greatly enhanced by a diverse range of biochemical and preclinical investigations conducted over more than four decades. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in post-translational modifications of neurofilaments, such as phosphorylation, aggregation, mutation, oxidation, etc. Over the past twenty years, several rare disorders have been studied from structural alterations of neurofilaments. These disorders are monitored by fluid biomarkers such as neurofilament light chains. Currently, there are many tools, such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Electrochemiluminescence Assay, Single-Molecule Array, Western/immunoblotting, etc., in use to assess the neurofilament proteins in Blood and CSF. However, all these techniques utilize expensive, non-specific, or antibody-based methods, which make them unsuitable for routine screening of neurodegenerative disorders. This provides room to search for newer sensitive, cost-effective, point-of-care tools for rapid screening of the disease. For a long time, the molecular mechanisms of neurofilaments have been poorly understood due to insufficient research attempts, and a deeper understanding of them remains elusive. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the available literature on molecular mechanisms of neurofilaments and the function of neurofilaments in axonal transport, axonal conduction, axonal growth, and neurofilament aggregation, respectively. Further, this review discusses the role of neurofilaments as potential biomarkers for the identification of several neurodegenerative diseases in clinical laboratory practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaik Basha
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjana Pithakumar
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Thoshna L B
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Jackson Rodrigues
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ameera K
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Shimul Biswas
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Aparna Ramakrishna Pai
- Department of Neurology, Kasturba Medical College-Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sushma Belurkar
- Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College-Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Krishna Kishore Mahato
- Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal - 576104, Karnataka, India.
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2
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Genin EC, Abou-Ali M, Paquis-Flucklinger V. Mitochondria, a Key Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1981. [PMID: 38002924 PMCID: PMC10671245 DOI: 10.3390/genes14111981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where it contributes to motor neuron (MN) death. Of all the factors involved in ALS, mitochondria have been considered as a major player, as secondary mitochondrial dysfunction has been found in various models and patients. Abnormal mitochondrial morphology, defects in mitochondrial dynamics, altered activities of respiratory chain enzymes and increased production of reactive oxygen species have been described. Moreover, the identification of CHCHD10 variants in ALS patients was the first genetic evidence that a mitochondrial defect may be a primary cause of MN damage and directly links mitochondrial dysfunction to the pathogenesis of ALS. In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondria in ALS and highlight the pathogenic variants of ALS genes associated with impaired mitochondrial functions. The multiple pathways demonstrated in ALS pathogenesis suggest that all converge to a common endpoint leading to MN loss. This may explain the disappointing results obtained with treatments targeting a single pathological process. Fighting against mitochondrial dysfunction appears to be a promising avenue for developing combined therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle C. Genin
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR7284, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, 06200 Nice, France; (M.A.-A.); (V.P.-F.)
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3
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Pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases: An interplay among axonal transport failure, oxidative stress, and inflammation? Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101628. [PMID: 35779975 PMCID: PMC9807734 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are heterogeneous neurological disorders characterized by a progressive loss of selected neuronal populations. A significant risk factor for most NDs is aging. Considering the constant increase in life expectancy, NDs represent a global public health burden. Axonal transport (AT) is a central cellular process underlying the generation and maintenance of neuronal architecture and connectivity. Deficits in AT appear to be a common thread for most, if not all, NDs. Neuroinflammation has been notoriously difficult to define in relation to NDs. Inflammation is a complex multifactorial process in the CNS, which varies depending on the disease stage. Several lines of evidence suggest that AT defect, axonopathy and neuroinflammation are tightly interlaced. However, whether these impairments play a causative role in NDs or are merely a downstream effect of neuronal degeneration remains unsettled. We still lack reliable information on the temporal relationship between these pathogenic mechanisms, although several findings suggest that they may occur early during ND pathophysiology. This article will review the latest evidence emerging on whether the interplay between AT perturbations and some aspects of CNS inflammation can participate in ND etiology, analyze their potential as therapeutic targets, and the urge to identify early surrogate biomarkers.
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Cobos SN, Bennett SA, Torrente MP. The impact of histone post-translational modifications in neurodegenerative diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1982-1991. [PMID: 30352259 PMCID: PMC6475498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Every year, neurodegenerative disorders take more than 5000 lives in the US alone. Cures have not yet been found for many of the multitude of neuropathies. The majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) cases have no known genetic basis. Thus, it is evident that contemporary genetic approaches have failed to explain the etiology or etiologies of ALS/FTD and PD. Recent investigations have explored the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in disease development. Epigenetics comprises heritable changes in gene utilization that are not derived from changes in the genome. A main epigenetic mechanism involves the post-translational modification of histones. Increased knowledge of the epigenomic landscape of neurodegenerative diseases would not only further our understanding of the disease pathologies, but also lead to the development of treatments able to halt their progress. Here, we review recent advances on the association of histone post-translational modifications with ALS, FTD, PD and several ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Cobos
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Seth A Bennett
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mariana P Torrente
- Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States; Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York 10016, United States.
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Pagliaroli L, Widomska J, Nespoli E, Hildebrandt T, Barta C, Glennon J, Hengerer B, Poelmans G. Riluzole Attenuates L-DOPA-Induced Abnormal Involuntary Movements Through Decreasing CREB1 Activity: Insights from a Rat Model. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5111-5121. [PMID: 30484112 PMCID: PMC6647536 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic administration of L-DOPA, the first-line treatment of dystonic symptoms in childhood or in Parkinson's disease, often leads to the development of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), which represent an important clinical problem. Although it is known that Riluzole attenuates L-DOPA-induced AIMs, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not understood. Therefore, we studied the behavior and performed RNA sequencing of the striatum in three groups of rats that all received a unilateral lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine in their medial forebrain bundle, followed by the administration of saline, L-DOPA, or L-DOPA combined with Riluzole. First, we provide evidence that Riluzole attenuates AIMs in this rat model. Subsequently, analysis of the transcriptomics data revealed that Riluzole is predicted to reduce the activity of CREB1, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of multiple proteins that interact in a molecular landscape involved in apoptosis. Although this mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of Riluzole on AIMs needs to be confirmed, it provides clues towards novel or existing compounds for the treatment of AIMs that modulate the activity of CREB1 and, hence, its downstream targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pagliaroli
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joanna Widomska
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Nespoli
- CNS Department, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Hildebrandt
- Target Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Csaba Barta
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian Hengerer
- CNS Department, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Geert Poelmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Zhou LY, Tian ZR, Yao M, Chen XQ, Song YJ, Ye J, Yi NX, Cui XJ, Wang YJ. Riluzole promotes neurological function recovery and inhibits damage extension in rats following spinal cord injury: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Neurochem 2019; 150:6-27. [PMID: 30786027 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that has few treatment options. Riluzole, a sodium channel blocker used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has been initially trialed in human SCI. We performed a systematic review to critically assess the efficacy of riluzole in locomotor recovery and damage extension in SCI rat models, and the potential for clinical translation. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases were searched from their inception date to March 2018. Two reviewers independently selected animal studies that evaluated neurological recovery and lesion area following riluzole treatment in SCI rat models, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. Pairwise meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and network meta-analysis were performed to assess the effects of riluzole on SCI. Ten eligible studies were included. Two studies had high methodological quality. Overall, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were increased in riluzole-treated animals versus controls, and effect sizes showed a gradual increase from the 1st (five studies, n = 104, mean difference = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.11 to 2.37, p = 0.03) to 6th week after treatment (five studies, n = 120, mean difference = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.26 to 3.42, p < 0.0001). Riluzole was associated with improved outcomes in the inclined plane test and the tissue preservation area. Subgroup analyses suggested an association of locomotor recovery with riluzole dose. Network meta-analysis showed that 5 mg/kg riluzole exhibited greater protection than 2.5 and 8 mg/kg riluzole. Collectively, this review suggests that riluzole has a protective effect on SCI, with good safety and a clear mechanism of action and may be suitable for future clinical trials or applications. However, animal results should be interpreted with caution given the known limitations in animal experimental design and methodological quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Yun Zhou
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Rehabilitation Medicine College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Rui Tian
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yao
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Qing Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Jia Song
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ye
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan-Xing Yi
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jun Cui
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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8
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Ionescu A, Gradus T, Altman T, Maimon R, Saraf Avraham N, Geva M, Hayden M, Perlson E. Targeting the Sigma-1 Receptor via Pridopidine Ameliorates Central Features of ALS Pathology in a SOD1 G93A Model. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:210. [PMID: 30824685 PMCID: PMC6397200 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting both the upper and lower motor neurons (MNs), with no effective treatment currently available. Early pathological events in ALS include perturbations in axonal transport (AT), formation of toxic protein aggregates and Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) disruption, which all lead to axonal degeneration and motor neuron death. Pridopidine is a small molecule that has been clinically developed for Huntington disease. Here we tested the efficacy of pridopidine for ALS using in vitro and in vivo models. Pridopidine beneficially modulates AT deficits and diminishes NMJ disruption, as well as motor neuron death in SOD1G93A MNs and in neuromuscular co-cultures. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pridopidine activates the ERK pathway and mediates its beneficial effects through the sigma-1 receptor (S1R). Strikingly, in vivo evaluation of pridopidine in SOD1G93A mice reveals a profound reduction in mutant SOD1 aggregation in the spinal cord, and attenuation of NMJ disruption, as well as subsequent muscle wasting. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that pridopidine improves several cellular and histological hallmark pathologies of ALS through the S1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ionescu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Tal Gradus
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Topaz Altman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Roy Maimon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Noi Saraf Avraham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Michal Geva
- Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Prilenia Therapeutics, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Michael Hayden
- Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Prilenia Therapeutics, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Eran Perlson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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9
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De Vos KJ, Hafezparast M. Neurobiology of axonal transport defects in motor neuron diseases: Opportunities for translational research? Neurobiol Dis 2017; 105:283-299. [PMID: 28235672 PMCID: PMC5536153 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular trafficking of cargoes is an essential process to maintain the structure and function of all mammalian cell types, but especially of neurons because of their extreme axon/dendrite polarisation. Axonal transport mediates the movement of cargoes such as proteins, mRNA, lipids, membrane-bound vesicles and organelles that are mostly synthesised in the cell body and in doing so is responsible for their correct spatiotemporal distribution in the axon, for example at specialised sites such as nodes of Ranvier and synaptic terminals. In addition, axonal transport maintains the essential long-distance communication between the cell body and synaptic terminals that allows neurons to react to their surroundings via trafficking of for example signalling endosomes. Axonal transport defects are a common observation in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, and mutations in components of the axonal transport machinery have unequivocally shown that impaired axonal transport can cause neurodegeneration (reviewed in El-Kadi et al., 2007, De Vos et al., 2008; Millecamps and Julien, 2013). Here we review our current understanding of axonal transport defects and the role they play in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) with a specific focus on the most common form of MND, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Majid Hafezparast
- Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.
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10
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Smith EF, Shaw PJ, De Vos KJ. The role of mitochondria in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2017; 710:132933. [PMID: 28669745 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are unique organelles that are essential for a variety of cellular processes including energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, lipid biosynthesis, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prevalent feature of many neurodegenerative diseases including motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disruption of mitochondrial structure, dynamics, bioenergetics and calcium buffering has been extensively reported in ALS patients and model systems and has been suggested to be directly involved in disease pathogenesis. Here we review the alterations in mitochondrial parameters in ALS and examine the common pathways to dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Smith
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
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Verma SK, Arora I, Javed K, Akhtar M, Samim M. Enhancement in the Neuroprotective Power of Riluzole Against Cerebral Ischemia Using a Brain Targeted Drug Delivery Vehicle. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:19716-19723. [PMID: 27378322 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Riluzole is the only available drug for motor neuron diseases quite well-known for its neuroprotective activity. But its poor aqueous solubility, short half-life with some side-effects at higher concentration poses a limitation to its use as a therapeutic agent. The present study was performed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nanoriluzole (NR), i.e., riluzole encapsulated in nanoparticles against cerebral ischemia (stroke) at three different concentrations [10 (NRL), 20 (NRM), and 40 (NRH) μg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.)]. Chitosan conjugated NIPAAM (N-isopropylacrylamide) nanoparticles coated with tween80 were synthesized through free radical polymerization. The particles were characterized with Transmission Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and were found to have size of ∼50 nm. Cerebral ischemia was induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model for 1 h and NR was given intraperitoneally after 1 h of MCAO. Animals were dissected after a reperfusion period of 24 h for evaluation of various parameters. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining shows substantial reduction in infarct size in all three treated groups. It was also supported by histopathological results, biochemical parameters, and behavioral studies. Immunological parameters like NOS-2, NF-kB, and COX-2 also show profound reduction in expression in NR treated groups. Thus, the present work clearly demonstrated that the nanoparticle was good enough to carry large amount of drug across the Blood Brain Barrier which results in significant neuroprotection even at a very low concentration. It also substantially lowered the required concentration by overcoming the poor aqueous solubility; hence hardly leaving any scope for side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi K Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , New Delhi-62 110062, India
| | - Indu Arora
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women, Delhi University , Delhi-7 110062, India
| | - Kalim Javed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , New Delhi-62 110062, India
| | - Mohd Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , New Delhi-62 110062, India
| | - Mohammed Samim
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , New Delhi-62 110062, India
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12
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Gibbs KL, Greensmith L, Schiavo G. Regulation of Axonal Transport by Protein Kinases. Trends Biochem Sci 2016; 40:597-610. [PMID: 26410600 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular transport of organelles, proteins, lipids, and RNA along the axon is essential for neuronal function and survival. This process, called axonal transport, is mediated by two classes of ATP-dependent motors, kinesins, and cytoplasmic dynein, which carry their cargoes along microtubule tracks. Protein kinases regulate axonal transport through direct phosphorylation of motors, adapter proteins, and cargoes, and indirectly through modification of the microtubule network. The misregulation of axonal transport by protein kinases has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders. Here, we review the role of protein kinases acting directly on axonal transport and discuss how their deregulation affects neuronal function, paving the way for the exploitation of these enzymes as novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Gibbs
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1N 3BG London, UK.
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13
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Daniel B, Green O, Viskind O, Gruzman A. Riluzole increases the rate of glucose transport in L6 myotubes and NSC-34 motor neuron-like cells via AMPK pathway activation. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:434-43. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.808226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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14
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15
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16
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Carbone M, Duty S, Rattray M. Riluzole elevates GLT-1 activity and levels in striatal astrocytes. Neurochem Int 2011; 60:31-8. [PMID: 22080156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drugs which upregulate astrocyte glutamate transport may be useful neuroprotective compounds by preventing excitotoxicity. We set up a new system to identify potential neuroprotective drugs which act through GLT-1. Primary mouse striatal astrocytes grown in the presence of the growth-factor supplement G5 express high levels of the functional glutamate transporter, GLT-1 (also known as EAAT2) as assessed by Western blotting and ³H-glutamate uptake assay, and levels decline following growth factor withdrawal. The GLT-1 transcriptional enhancer dexamethasone (0.1 or 1 μM) was able to prevent loss of GLT-1 levels and activity following growth factor withdrawal. In contrast, ceftriaxone, a compound previously reported to enhance GLT-1 expression, failed to regulate GLT-1 in this system. The neuroprotective compound riluzole (100 μM) upregulated GLT-1 levels and activity, through a mechanism that was not dependent on blockade of voltage-sensitive ion channels, since zonasimide (1 mM) did not regulate GLT-1. Finally, CDP-choline (10 μM-1 mM), a compound which promotes association of GLT-1/EAAT2 with lipid rafts was unable to prevent GLT-1 loss under these conditions. This observation extends the known pharmacological actions of riluzole, and suggests that this compound may exert its neuroprotective effects through an astrocyte-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Carbone
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Quinlan KA. Links between electrophysiological and molecular pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Integr Comp Biol 2011; 51:913-25. [PMID: 21989221 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icr116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple deficits have been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), from the first changes in normal functioning of the motoneurons and glia to the eventual loss of spinal and cortical motoneurons. In this review, current results, including changes in size, and electrical properties of motoneurons, glutamate excitotoxicity, calcium buffering, deficits in mitochondrial and cellular transport, impediments to proteostasis which lead to stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and glial contributions to motoneuronal vulnerability are recapitulated. Results are mainly drawn from the mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS, and emphasis is placed on early changes that precede the onset of symptoms and the interplay between molecular and electrical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A Quinlan
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Meyerowitz J, Parker SJ, Vella LJ, Ng DC, Price KA, Liddell JR, Caragounis A, Li QX, Masters CL, Nonaka T, Hasegawa M, Bogoyevitch MA, Kanninen KM, Crouch PJ, White AR. C-Jun N-terminal kinase controls TDP-43 accumulation in stress granules induced by oxidative stress. Mol Neurodegener 2011; 6:57. [PMID: 21819629 PMCID: PMC3162576 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TDP-43 proteinopathies are characterized by loss of nuclear TDP-43 expression and formation of C-terminal TDP-43 fragmentation and accumulation in the cytoplasm. Recent studies have shown that TDP-43 can accumulate in RNA stress granules (SGs) in response to cell stresses and this could be associated with subsequent formation of TDP-43 ubiquinated protein aggregates. However, the initial mechanisms controlling endogenous TDP-43 accumulation in SGs during chronic disease are not understood. In this study we investigated the mechanism of TDP-43 processing and accumulation in SGs in SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells exposed to chronic oxidative stress. Cell cultures were treated overnight with the mitochondrial inhibitor paraquat and examined for TDP-43 and SG processing. RESULTS We found that mild stress induced by paraquat led to formation of TDP-43 and HuR-positive SGs, a proportion of which were ubiquitinated. The co-localization of TDP-43 with SGs could be fully prevented by inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). JNK inhibition did not prevent formation of HuR-positive SGs and did not prevent diffuse TDP-43 accumulation in the cytosol. In contrast, ERK or p38 inhibition prevented formation of both TDP-43 and HuR-positive SGs. JNK inhibition also inhibited TDP-43 SG localization in cells acutely treated with sodium arsenite and reduced the number of aggregates per cell in cultures transfected with C-terminal TDP-43 162-414 and 219-414 constructs. CONCLUSIONS Our studies are the first to demonstrate a critical role for kinase control of TDP-43 accumulation in SGs and may have important implications for development of treatments for FTD and ALS, targeting cell signal pathway control of TDP-43 aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Meyerowitz
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in increasing disability and that is uniformly fatal. Since its approval in the 1990s, riluzole remains the sole treatment for ALS offering modest survival benefit. While significant advances have been made in the symptomatic management of the disease, more effective drug therapy targeting disease progression is sorely needed. AREAS COVERED Advances in the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms involved in disease development and progression have provided multiple avenues for developing effective treatment strategies. This review highlights recent discoveries relating to these diverse mechanisms and their implications for the development of drug therapy. Previous human clinical trials that have targeted these pathways are mentioned and ongoing drug trials are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The search for effective drug therapy faces important challenges in the areas of basic science and animal research, translation of these results into human clinical trials, inherent bias in human studies and issues related to delays in clinical diagnosis. How these issues may be addressed and why ALS research constitutes fertile grounds for drug development not only for this devastating disease, but also for other more prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Aamer Habib
- The Neurological Institute of Columbia University, Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, NY 10032, USA.
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Hares K, Kemp K, Gray E, Scolding N, Wilkins A. Neurofilament dot blot assays: Novel means of assessing axon viability in culture. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 198:195-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2010] [Revised: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bellingham MC. A review of the neural mechanisms of action and clinical efficiency of riluzole in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: what have we learned in the last decade? CNS Neurosci Ther 2011; 17:4-31. [PMID: 20236142 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disease of adults which preferentially attacks the neuromotor system. Riluzole has been used as the only approved treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since 1995, but its mechanism(s) of action in slowing the progression of this disease remain obscure. Searching PubMed for "riluzole" found 705 articles published between January 1996 and June 2009. A systematic review of this literature found that riluzole had a wide range of effects on factors influencing neural activity in general, and the neuromotor system in particular. These effects occurred over a large dose range (<1 μM to >1 mM). Reported neural effects of riluzole included (in approximate ascending order of dose range): inhibition of persistent Na(+) current = inhibition of repetitive firing < potentiation of calcium-dependent K(+) current < inhibition of neurotransmitter release < inhibition of fast Na(+) current < inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) current = promotion of neuronal survival or growth factors < inhibition of voltage-gated K(+) current = modulation of two-pore K(+) current = modulation of ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptors = potentiation of glutamate transporters. Only the first four of these effects commonly occurred at clinically relevant concentrations of riluzole (plasma levels of 1-2 μM with three- to four-fold higher concentrations in brain tissue). Treatment of human ALS patients or transgenic rodent models of ALS with riluzole most commonly produced a modest but significant extension of lifespan. Riluzole treatment was well tolerated in humans and animals. In animals, despite in vitro evidence that riluzole may inhibit rhythmic motor behaviors, in vivo administration of riluzole produced relatively minor effects on normal respiration parameters, but inhibited hypoxia-induced gasping. This effect may have implications for the management of hypoventilation and sleep-disordered breathing during end-stage ALS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Bellingham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld. 4072, Australia.
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Soria G, Aguilar E, Tudela R, Mullol J, Planas AM, Marin C. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging characterization of bilateral structural changes in experimental Parkinson’s disease: a T2 relaxometry study combined with longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the 6-. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 33:1551-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Manuel M, Heckman CJ. Stronger is not always better: could a bodybuilding dietary supplement lead to ALS? Exp Neurol 2011; 228:5-8. [PMID: 21167830 PMCID: PMC3049458 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marin Manuel
- Northwestern University, Department of Physiology, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Perrot R, Eyer J. Neuronal intermediate filaments and neurodegenerative disorders. Brain Res Bull 2009; 80:282-95. [PMID: 19539727 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments represent the most abundant cytoskeletal element in mature neurons. Mutations and/or accumulations of neuronal intermediate filament proteins are frequently observed in several human neurodegenerative disorders. Although it is now admitted that disorganization of the neurofilament network may be directly involved in neurodegeneration, certain type of perikaryal intermediate filament aggregates confer protection in motor neuron disease. The use of various mouse models provided a better knowledge of the role played by the disorganization of intermediate filaments in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but the mechanisms leading to the formation of these aggregates remain elusive. Here, we will review some neurodegenerative diseases involving intermediate filaments abnormalities and possible mechanisms susceptible to provoke them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Perrot
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Laval University, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Quebec, Canada
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